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5 Shocking Takeaways From The Alabama State Vs. Grambling Rivalry In 2025: Coaching Changes And Record-Breaking SWAC Battles

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The Alabama State Hornets versus the Grambling State Tigers rivalry is one of the most intense and unpredictable matchups in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), and the 2024-2025 season has delivered some truly shocking results and major program shifts. As of late 2025, the dynamic between these two historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) is defined by dramatic coaching changes, razor-thin basketball scores, and an eagerly anticipated showdown on the gridiron. This article provides the most up-to-date analysis of the rivalry's current state, focusing on the recent 2025 basketball battles and the outlook for the next football season. The competitive spirit is at an all-time high, with both universities fighting for dominance in multiple sports, including the diamond and the court. The rivalry’s latest chapter is not just about wins and losses; it’s about the strategic moves of new leadership and the quest for a coveted SWAC championship title.

The New Era of SWAC Basketball: Head Coaches and Recent 2025 Results

The 2024-2025 men's basketball season provided the freshest and most compelling evidence of this rivalry's intensity, marked by significant coaching transitions that have completely reshaped the on-court dynamic. The games were decided by the slimmest of margins, setting a high bar for future matchups.

Grambling State Tigers: The Patrick Crarey II Era

  • Head Coach: Patrick Crarey II
  • Venue: Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center (Grambling, LA)
  • Recent SWAC Success: The Tigers have maintained a competitive edge in recent years, though the 2024-2025 season introduced a new strategic direction with the appointment of Coach Crarey.

Patrick Crarey II was introduced as the 14th head coach of the Grambling State men's basketball program, taking over from the successful Donte Jackson. Crarey brings a fresh philosophy to the Tigers, focusing on reigniting the program with new staff, including Chris Dorsey as the associate head coach. The transition period, however, did not stop the Tigers from securing a crucial victory against the Hornets in the 2025 season.

Alabama State Hornets: The Tony Madlock Leadership

  • Head Coach: Tony Madlock
  • Venue: Dunn–Oliver Acadome (Montgomery, AL)
  • Program Status: Madlock is in his third year leading the Hornets, focusing on significant roster additions to build a competitive powerhouse within the SWAC.

Under the guidance of third-year head coach Tony Madlock, the Alabama State Hornets have been strategically building their roster, adding key players like Micah Simpson and Jalen Keago for the 2024-2025 campaign. Madlock's leadership aims to elevate the Hornets to the top of the conference standings, a goal that was clearly reflected in their ability to secure a nail-biting win against Grambling.

Recent 2025 Basketball Scorelines

The 2025 men’s basketball season showcased the rivalry at its absolute best, with both teams trading blows in their scheduled matchups:

  • March 8, 2025: Grambling State defeated Alabama State with a score of 59-47.
  • March 14, 2025: Alabama State secured a narrow victory over Grambling State, winning 64-62.

These results highlight the back-and-forth nature of the rivalry, where home-court advantage and late-game execution often determine the winner. The average scoring margin in their head-to-head battles remains incredibly close, making any game between these two a must-watch event for college basketball fans.

The Historical Gridiron Rivalry and Upcoming Football Dynamics

While the basketball matchups are current and fresh, the Alabama State vs. Grambling State rivalry holds deep roots in football, representing a classic SWAC tradition. The all-time football series has been tightly contested, with Grambling holding a slight edge in recent history.

A Look at the Football Series Record

Since 2005, the football rivalry has been a near-perfect split, demonstrating the parity between the two programs. The games are known for their high-scoring affairs and dramatic finishes, with both teams achieving significant margins of victory over the years.

  • Total Wins (Grambling since 2005): 7
  • Total Wins (Alabama State since 2005): 6
  • Largest Alabama State Win: A dominant 52-21 victory on September 21, 2013.

The atmosphere at these football games, whether at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium in Grambling or ASU Stadium in Montgomery, is electric, fueled by the marching bands and passionate alumni bases. The most recent confirmed football game was in November 2024, continuing the tradition of fierce competition.

The Anticipated 2025 Football Showdown

The SWAC schedule for the 2025 season will once again feature this historic matchup, though the exact date and location are subject to change and official announcement. Fans are already circling their calendars for the next meeting, which will be critical for both teams' conference standing and their pursuit of the SWAC Championship. The game is more than just a regular season contest; it is a battle for regional bragging rights and a showcase of HBCU football excellence.

Beyond the Court and Field: The Andre Dawson Classic

The rivalry extends beyond the major sports, showcasing the overall athletic competition between the two institutions. One of the most unique and exciting upcoming matchups is in baseball.

The 2025 Andre Dawson Classic

Both the Alabama State Hornets and the Grambling State Tigers are scheduled to compete in the 2025 Andre Dawson Classic, a premier baseball tournament featuring HBCU programs. This event, often held in Atlanta, Georgia, provides a national stage for these programs to compete and highlights the depth of the SWAC’s athletic talent. The baseball matchup adds another layer to the overall rivalry, with both teams looking to gain a competitive edge on the diamond.

Topical Authority and Key Entities

The rivalry between Alabama State University and Grambling State University is a microcosm of the intense competition within the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The sheer volume of key entities involved—from the Dunn–Oliver Acadome to the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center—demonstrates the deep cultural and athletic investment of both schools. The recent coaching carousel, specifically the transition to Patrick Crarey II at Grambling, introduces a major strategic variable, while Tony Madlock’s consistent roster building at Alabama State promises sustained competitiveness. The head-to-head records in both men’s basketball and football confirm this is a rivalry defined by parity, where the "underdog" status shifts with every season.

  • Key Rivalry Entities:
    • Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
    • Alabama State Hornets (ASU)
    • Grambling State Tigers (GSU)
    • Tony Madlock (ASU Coach)
    • Patrick Crarey II (GSU Coach)
    • Andre Dawson Classic (Baseball)
    • Dunn–Oliver Acadome (ASU Arena)
    • Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium (GSU Stadium)
    • HBCU Athletics
    • Montgomery, Alabama
    • Grambling, Louisiana
    • NCAA Division I

The betting lines, or "spreads," for these matchups are often razor-thin, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the games and the high level of competition. Whether it’s Grambling's scoring defense or Alabama State’s scoring offense, the statistical battles are as compelling as the on-field action.

5 Shocking Takeaways from the Alabama State vs. Grambling Rivalry in 2025: Coaching Changes and Record-Breaking SWAC Battles
alabama state vs grambling
alabama state vs grambling

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